The LIC/Astoria Chamber of Commerce was officially approved and recorded on Wednesday, Sept. 5. At its monthly meeting, Vallone joined the chamber and local residents at the Waterfront Crabhouse on Thursday.

With a background in business, Vallone ran a law firm for ten years after working as a prosecutor. He stressed the importance of making a living within your organization.

“Not a lot of people know what you provide in your business, and know that you’re the best judge of what you need to pay people and do for your business,” Vallone said.

As a conservative Democrat, Vallone said he opposes mandatory sick leave and raising the minimum wage because they can add unnecessary costs to small businesses.

“You can’t have money for social programs without the jobs that you guys are providing for people,” he said.

Arthur Rosenfield, founder and president of the organization, asked how interactions between Vallone and other council members could advance issues for small businesses in the area through the LIC/Astoria Chamber of Commerce.

“You’re doing a great job with what you’re doing,” Vallone said, who stressed that it was important for organizations like the chamber to stay in contact with local elected officials.

With term limits forcing him from office, Vallone said he is considering a run for Queens borough president.

“I would be able to represent all of Queens and make sure that the business and taxpayer’s standpoints still have a voice,” he said. “And I would work in that position to keep our state and economy working on a larger level.”